Home : Henry IV (Pirandello) : Study Guide

Henry IV (Pirandello) Study Guide

by Luigi Pirandello

Henry IV (Pirandello) study guide contains a biography of Luigi Pirandello, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Henry IV is a man who went mad after being knocked off his horse during a masquerade. At the time he was playing the part of Henry IV, and his delusion for over twelve years after the fall was that he was King Henry IV of Germany during the eleventh century. He has been placed in a "castle" with four valets, or "private counselors", all paid for by his nephew Di Nolli.

The play opens in the throne room with Berthold, a new valet who has just been hired, learning from the other three valets. Berthold is being taught everything he needs to know in order to work for Henry IV and take care of the madman. There are two portraits next to the throne, pictures of Henry IV and the Marchioness Matilda (known as Donna Matilda). The pictures were done…

Read the full Henry IV (Pirandello) Summary

• Henry IV (Pirandello) Summary
• Character List
• Summary and Analysis of Act I
• Summary and Analysis of Act II
• Summary and Analysis of Act III
• Related Links on Henry IV (Pirandello)
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• Henry IV (Pirandello): Questions
• Henry IV (Pirandello): Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Luigi Pirandello: Biography